PSERS Retirement Representative Trainee

Do you have experience in customer service and want a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of the people you serve? Are you looking for a role that offers work life balance in an organization that values your ideas? The Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) is looking for Retirement Representative Trainees to help members understand their retirement benefits.

We are a team of dedicated, customer-focused individuals who work hard to give members the information they need to plan for their future. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, must have the ability to learn new technology, and like helping people by phone, email, online, and in group settings, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a PSERS Retirement Representative Trainee, you will complete a 12-month formal program where you will learn how to support members by explaining retirement benefits, assisting with applications, and answering questions. Formal training includes relevant policies, procedures, and laws that govern the administration of the PSERS benefit program. You will also learn how to lead informational seminars in person and online for PSERS members, and you will work in the call center, handling member phone calls and electronic questions. Within this role, you will perform the following duties:

• Member Support: Respond to calls and electronic inquiries to explain retirement information and answer questions
• Seminar Preparation: Prepare materials and present retirement seminars both in person and virtually
• Individual Counseling: Meet with members to guide retirement decisions and help with forms and applications
• Benefit Estimates: Calculate different retirement benefit estimates based on member information
• Data Review: Check account information for accuracy and research issues to prevent or correct errors
• System Tasks: Help test system updates, identify issues, and document needed details

To do well in this position, strong writing and speaking skills are important, including the ability to present information to groups. You must be able to analyze complex information, pay close attention to details, and manage your time effectively. You must be able to use several computer systems at the same time to provide smooth and helpful service to members, and you must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment  (37.5 hours per week)
• Work hours are either 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 8:30 to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Travel through assigned areas of Pennsylvania will be required, further travel requirements can be discussed during the interview process.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. This position will require initial training in-office prior to being able to telework. Once initial training is satisfactorily completed, this position will be able to telework up to 4 days a week, based on operational needs. These positions will be constantly rotating as in the office two days a week, followed by one day a week the following week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. 
• This position may work overtime as necessary.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of staff support experience assisting with human resources administration, financial management, or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or a related occupational area; or
• A bachelor's degree in communications, human resources, business administration, business management, psychology, labor relations, or a related area; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform Essential Functions as presented in the linked Position Description.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.